Can't Find Your Dough Hook? Here's 3 Tips on Kneading Bread without a Dough Hook

Want to make some bread or rolls and don't have a dough hook or stand mixer on hand? Your in luck because you have two very powerful tools that don't cost a dime: your hands! Kneading bread is one of my favorite activities, even if it is a bit of a workout. My mom is the queen of bread making, and when I was younger watching her knead bread was fascinating. "How does that lump of play doh turn into the most delicious tasting thing? It must be magic!"

Now that I'm an adult, I know its less about magic and more about gluten molecules, but anytime I put the dough hook away and knead the old fashioned way it brings me back to simpler times.

1. Don't add too much flour to the surface your kneading on!

• No one wants dry and dense bread, and the best way to avoid that is by sticking to the amount of flour said in the recipe to start. If you see the dough is still pretty stick, add sprinkles at a time so that you don't overdo it.

2. Look for the dough to be smooth, elastic, and bounce back when you touch it.

• The positive aspect of kneading by hand is you have control over how much force and speed your using. Sometimes, using a dough hook can cause you to over knead and create a flat and chewy end product. Once you start to understand the visual cues for a dough thats ready to rise, it'll be a lot easier to avoid over-kneading.

3. The window pane test. This is a great way to see if your dough is ready to rise. Just take a small piece of dough and slowly spread it between both hands, pointing to a light. The dough should allow light to shine through and shouldn't break apart immediately. That's when you know that your dough is ready!

If you follow these easy tips, you will be on your way to having some yummy, fluffy, and well baked bread!

Stay tuned for more "reimagined roux's tips & tricks" blogs to be posted very soon!